Checking your oil level regularly is important. Even if your engine doesn't seem to burn much oil, you'll never spot an oil leak in time to save the engine unless you check the oil every time you gas up.

If your engine's oil level gets too low, you run the risk of an overheated engine, since engine heat is concentrated in a smaller volume of lubricant. A low oil level also contributes to engine wear, since there isn't enough oil to lubricate moving parts.

But you should also be careful not to overfill your lubrication system. When the crankcase is too full, the crankshaft dips into the oil with every revolution, churning air into it and creating foam, which breaks down the protective oil film in your engine. The crankshaft also may throw oil into the cylinders, where it can be pumped past the piston rings into the combustion chambers, fouling your spark plugs. The best time to check your oil is before you start your engine for the day. The oil has had time to drain into the crankcase so you'll get a more accurate dipstick reading. To check the oil level, park on level ground, pull out the oil dipstick, wipe it off with a clean rag or paper towel, push it all the way back in, and pull it out again. Look at the oil level on both sides of the dipstick. The oil level should register between the "full" mark and the "add oil" mark on your dipstick. If it's at or just below the "add oil" mark, add a quart of high-quality oil that meets the specifications listed in your owner's manual. The manual will show you where to add the oil. After you add the oil, recheck the level.